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New Co-Op pops up in one of Houston’s most diverse black neighborhoods

Nuwaters Co-Operative is one of a kind. Centrally located in the Third Ward (one of the six historic wards of Houston) area this co-op comes as a breath of FRESH air, literally, as they provide the best in fresh, healthy, and organic foods.

“NuWaters is patterned after a sister co-op
in Austin Texas, Wheastville Co-op, their
history of honoring a community of freed
slaves is an honorable endeavor that we
recognize and salute”

— Nuwaters Co-Operative

Affectionately referred to as “The Tre”, the Third ward was practically food barren until Nuwaters showed up bearing the most beautiful gifts in the forms of fresh berries, alkaline water and black mission figs!!

I am totally into legumes presently. I love eating different types in soups, falafels, purees everything. My current favorite is the good ole chick pea! so when I noticed that the beans at Nuwaters were already sorted, cleaned and zip-locked I thought I had died and gone to “healthy heaven”.

What do they taste like?

The matured Black Mission fig “fruit” has a tough peel (in this case, green giving way to deep purple), often cracking near the stem end upon ripeness, and exposing the pulp beneath. The soft creamy white interior contains a seed mass bound with jelly-like flesh. The edible seeds are numerous and generally hollow, unless pollinated. Pollinated seeds provide the characteristic nutty taste of dried figs.

How should you serve them?

When Black Mission Figs are blended with savory ingredients, such as salt, cocoa and spices, figs can produce a “meaty” flavor that has a smoky, almost steak-like aroma and taste. Chop fresh figs and thyme, then fold into olive oil-based cake batter and bake. Whip blue cheese and heavy cream, the pipe into halved figs, top with toasted hazelnuts and serve as an appetizer. Saute roasted beets and quartered figs in honey and balsamic vinegar, then toss with arugula and serve as a salad. Top puff pastry dough with crumbled goat cheese, chopped or halved figs and sliced prosciutto, then bake into a tart.

How should you store these?

To store, lay figs on paper towels; cover with plastic; refrigerate no more than three days. Use ripe figs immediately.

I have always been skeptical of “seedless”grapes. I mean, how the heck is that possible? Grapes have seeds, point blank period! After doing a bit more research on organic grapes vs. Non-organic grapes, I think I found my answer.

Non-organic growers use a product called giberellic acid to treat the grapes and ensure that no seeds at all will be found in the grapes. Organic growers cannot use this product. As a result organic seedless grapes may occasionally contain a few very small seeds, although these would be of a size that should not result in the need for them to be removed before eating.

There will always be some seedless grapes that do contain seeds and this is more likely to be the case in organic grapes.

You will notice that these prices are a bit higher that your typical grocery story. Here are 4 reasons why (via Organic Agriculture):

Organic food supply is limited as compared to demand;

Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labour inputs per unit of output and because greater diversity of enterprises means economies of scale cannot be achieved;

Post-harvest handling of relatively small quantities of organic foods results in higher costs because of the mandatory segregation of organic and conventional produce, especially for processing and transportation;

Marketing and the distribution chain for organic products is relatively inefficient and costs are higher because of relatively small volumes.

Your health is very closely linked to the pH levels of the water and blood circulating in our bodies. A low pH contributes to an acidic body that is a breeding ground for disease. Alkaline water helps to raise the pH of your body so that it can function like it should and hydrate more efficiently.

DreamTree Alkaline Water happens to be one of the many companies selling Alkaline water, but you have to be careful when purchasing your supply. There have been reports that some companies, in an effort to quickly alkaline large amounts of water, use electrical ionizers that ultimately kill the positive charge in the water.

Nuwater is awesome! Should you happen to stop in make sure to say hello to KeKe. She was very helpful and sweet during my visit and would be more than happy to tell you about the market and give you a little tour. They are hosting an event this Saturday (9/13) at their location, as they honor those family members who have passed away due to “food” related illnesses. The event starts at 10:00 am, so come out, bring the family and share in love as they celebrate life!